What happened?
At least 26 people were feared dead after suspected militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. The attack, which involved two to three gunmen in a meadow area, is among the deadliest in recent years. A little-known group, “Kashmir Resistance,” claimed responsibility, citing opposition to the recent settlement of over 84,000 non-locals in the region. PM Modi condemned the attack, vowing justice and reaffirming India’s anti-terror stance.
Why it matters to India
The attack highlights the resurgence of militancy in Kashmir amid demographic changes following the 2019 revocation of Article 370. It threatens the fragile security gains in the region, undermines tourism, and complicates India’s domestic and international positioning on Kashmir. The timing—coinciding with US Vice President JD Vance’s visit—may indicate an attempt to draw global attention to the conflict, risking further diplomatic friction with Pakistan and challenging India’s counterinsurgency strategy.